Former deputy national security adviser Matthew Pottinger warned the Biden administration not to fall into the trap of negotiating with the Chinese Communist Party during a webinar that also featured experts who expressed the threat to democracy posed by the Communist Party on issues such as human rights and coercion of business interests, and again warned of the risks Taiwan is facing.
In an online seminar at Florida International University on Feb. 3, Borming, who ran China Policy under Trump, advised the new Biden Administration to avoid running out of Time with Beijing, which could undermine U.S. national security and democracy. He cited various “strategic dialogues” proposed by the Chinese government, which have resulted in a gradual loss of U.S. intellectual property and a growing U.S.-China trade deficit.
“Don’t fall into the trap of negotiating with the Chinese Communist Party; Beijing will set up one (dialogue) after another with each administration to entice the U.S. into long-term, formal, bottom-up negotiations,” Bomen said. Bomen said.
Matthew Pottinger, former U.S. deputy national counsel (AP)
Citing the controversy over pro-Hong Kong comments made by the general manager of a professional basketball team in the United States and the Chinese government’s threats to national airlines to remove Taiwan’s country name, the seminar explored examples of how many businesses have bowed to pressure from Beijing. U.S. News correspondent Josh Rogin said that in addition to condemning U.S. businesses for bowing down, the current administration should depoliticize the Communist Party’s intimidation of U.S. businesses, work together and set a bottom line to protect U.S. civil rights.
“American businesses are not taking into account the basic crisis of doing business in China, which is that the CCP is very sensitive to subtle offenses and can use any reason to take away your business in China wholesale, which is unpredictable and there is no way to eliminate it.” Rokin said.
Another journalist at the conference, Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, also mentioned that many multinational or private companies are reluctant to criticize the CCP or even express support for the Beijing government because of China’s large business market. She called on the managers of these companies to take responsibility for recognizing that the CCP has turned China into a free market while subverting capitalism as a bridge to spreading authoritarian values.
“Capitalism needs to be regulated under democratic principles, otherwise it will only uphold the values of those who hold economic power,” Beishu Ying said.
In a press conference after being sworn in, new U.S. Secretary of State John Blinken reiterated that the Chinese government has committed “genocide” against the Uighur people in Xinjiang. Then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made similar remarks on President Trump’s last day in office. Pompeo also reminded the U.S. business community that it must accept the fact that operating in or doing business with China puts it at risk for damage to its reputation, and that risk continues to rise.
Former Hong Kong legislator and current exile in the United Kingdom, Mr. Lo emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party is planning to expand its authoritarianism globally and that countries should view democracy as a global issue and need to take a global approach. At the same time, leaders must work together to avoid any further instances of the Chinese government using commercial markets to threaten private businesses.
“Our assumption that China is a peacemaker …… is completely wrong, and the Chinese Communist Party is planning to expand its authoritarianism through different cross-continental cooperation.” Luo Guancong said.
In addition, Booming made a rare reminder that Taiwan must be cognizant of the importance and danger of Taiwan’s current situation. He mentioned that if Taiwan is forcibly annexed by the Chinese Communist Party, it would damage the credibility of the United States and other allies.
“The people of Taiwan need to truly unite and understand the sacrifices they will have to make.” Booming said.
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